Rheumatoid Lung DiseaseSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Rheumatoid Lung Disease
Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The condition can include:
- Blockage of the small airways (bronchiolitis obliterans)
- Fluid in the chest (pleural effusions)
- High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Lumps in the lungs (nodules)
- Scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules; Rheumatoid lung
Lung problems are common in people with RA. They often cause no symptoms, but for some people they are the main symptom of their RA.
The cause of lung disease associated with RA is unknown. Sometimes, the medicines used to treat RA, especially methotrexate, may result in lung disease.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Skin nodules
Many people with this condition have no symptoms. Treatment is usually aimed at the RA causing the lung problem and the complications caused by the disorder. Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system are sometimes useful.
There is emerging evidence that pirfenidone and nintedanib may work for people with fibrosis due to rheumatoid lung disease.
Brigham And Women's Hospital, Orthopaedic And Arthritis Center
Jeffrey Sparks is a Rheumatologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Sparks is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Baylor College Of Medicine - Pulmonary
Ivan Rosas, MD, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to Houston and nearby communities. Ivan Rosas specializes in Pulmonary Disease and works at BCM - Faculty Group Practice. To make an appointment, please call (713) 798-2400. To review all accepted insurance carriers, please visit: https://www.stlukeshealth.org/patients-visitors/patients/billing-insurance/insurances-accepted. Dr. Rosas is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Fibrosis, Acute Interstitial Pneumonia, Interstitial Lung Disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Lung Transplant.
Brigham And Women's Hospital, Orthopaedic And Arthritis Center
Michael Weinblatt is a Rheumatologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Weinblatt is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, Rheumatoid Lung Disease, and Psoriatic Arthritis.
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease. In severe cases, lung transplantation can be considered. This is more common in cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension.
Rheumatoid lung disease may lead to:
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary hypertension
Contact your provider right away if you have rheumatoid arthritis and you develop unexplained breathing difficulties or worsening of baseline breathing difficulties.
Summary: The goal of this observational study is to examine the effects of traditional respiratory rehabilitation and respiratory muscle strengthening training added to this program at the genetic level in in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does respiratory muscle strengthening exercise added to respiratory rehabilitation ...
Summary: Generative AI (GenAI) based on large language models (LLMs) is expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. We are studying how GenAI may affect the diagnosis of various complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a retrospective study using RA patients' EHR records, we will quantify physician adoption of GenAI predictions for RA complications and co-existing diseases...
Published Date: April 10, 2025
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Johnson SR, Bernstein EJ, Bolster MB, et al. 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) guideline for the treatment of interstitial lung disease in people with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024;76(8):1051-1069. PMID: 38973731 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38973731/.
Raghu G, Martinez FJ. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 80.